New Lead Investigated In Weleetka Killings

Bureau Confirms Interviewing Kevin Sweat About 2008 Deaths

A man charged in the death of an Okmulgee woman may be linked to the 2008 killings of two young Weleetka girls, according to state investigators. However, per an email from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation sent early Thursday afternoon, Kevin Sweat is not a suspect in those killings.

For three years, the mysterious deaths of Taylor Paschel-Placker, 13, and Skyla Whitaker, 11, have remained unsolved. The girls were found gunned down on County Line Road in Weleetka in 2008. Another grieving family may have shed new light on the case.

Background:

Earlier this year, Ashley Taylor, a young Okmulgee woman, disappeared after leaving on a trip with her fiancee, Kevin Sweat. Taylor's family said Sweat returned home a short time later, but Ashley never did. The family said they began questioning Sweat about Taylor's disappearance and finally police joined in the investigation. A short time later, officers uncovered remains, believed to be of Taylor's on property belonging to Sweat's father in Weleetka. In August, police arrested Sweat in connection with Taylor's death.

Taylor's family said they believe Sweat killed their daughter and was involved in the Weleetka murders. In an interview with our affiliate, KJRH-TV in Tulsa, Taylor's aunt Dione Coy said, "I definitely think he had something to do with the other two little girls."

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirms it has also looked at Sweat. Jessica Brown, a representative for OSBI, told KJRH: "He committed a violent crime in the area where he murdered his fiancee. We would be remiss not to look at him in the Weleetka case. But we can't release any more details on a suspect until someone is charged."

The bureau issued this clarification on Thursday afternoon:Despite recent news stories to the contrary, the OSBI has not named a suspect in the Weleetka girls? murder case. OSBI continues to follow any and all leads regarding these tragic murders. One such lead includes anyone who has committed a violent crime in the area. The OSBI continues to search for the .40 Glock model 22 used to kill the girls. The serial number on that weapon is EKG463US. The bureau is offering a $5,000 reward for the gun. If anyone has information about this firearm, please contact the OSBI at 1-800-522-8017.

Video from KOCO.com:

A representative with the Okfuskee County District Attorney's Office sent Eyewitness News 5 this note:The Okfuskee County District Attorney?s Office is aware of the allegations concerning Kevin Sweat?s possible connection to the murders of Skyla Whitaker and Taylor Placker. I can assure you that the OSBI and other law enforcement entities are working around the clock to pursue each and every lead in this case, including any and all leads including those regarding Mr. Sweat. We are aware of the scrutiny that has recently been cast upon the OSBI regarding their handling of this investigation. We believe that the OSBI has worked and is working diligently on this matter. Over the past three years our office has been made aware of the progress of the OSBI and numerous other law enforcement entities regarding this case. Our office has complete confidence not only in the manner that the OSBI has handled the murder case of Skyla Whitaker and Taylor Placker, but also in the fact that, ultimately, the person responsible for their deaths will be brought to justice.

Stay with KOCO.com for this developing story. Join Eyewitness News 5 at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. for the very latest on this case with reports from Wendell Edwards and Jessica Holloway.

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